The digital-services nonprofit Code for America has selected New York, New Mexico, Maryland, and the District of Columbia to work with its team of experts and software engineers to improve the accessibility of their benefits programs over the coming years.
They're part of the second cohort of states to participate in the Safety Net Innovation Lab, which aims to increase the participation of eligible people in state and local programs offering nutritional, financial, housing, health care, and career training support.
The goal of the initiative is to "reach 13 million people and deliver $30 billion in unclaimed benefits," Aurelle Amram, senior director of strategic partnerships for Code for America's Social Safety Net portfolio, tells StateScoop.
Over a seven-year period, 15 states are expected to partner with the Safety Net Innovation Lab.
The first cohort of states, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Minnesota, and Louisiana, announced last May.
Among the projects planned by the second cohort: streamlining online benefits applications in DC, using customer service data to improve customer interactions with New Mexico's Human Services Department, and using client feedback to improve service of New York's Women, Infants, and Children nutritional assistance program.
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